|
To the
casual browser in a music store, the cover to
‘Set on a Hill’ by Chad Lawson might suggest a
blues album could be contained within.
Certainly, the image of the composer surrounded
by traffic in the middle of a busy American
street (with not a hill in sight) offers little hint
to the serenity of the
music to be found on this wonderful gem of a CD.
Produced by
renowned Windham Hill founder Will Ackerman-
ensuring first class production values- the
omens looked good from the onset. I was,
however, pleasantly surprised by the variety and
consistent high standard found throughout this
CD.
It opens
with ‘Will’. One might assume this is dedicated
to the producer of the album as it is clear that
Chad Lawson holds the music-maestro in high
esteem. However, the title actually refers to an
individual's will- that is, what it is inside
each and everyone of us that controls what we do
and do not do. It is very much up to the
individual listener to conjure up their own
images for this piece, but I was struck by the
slow tempo maintained for the first six minutes.
Could this be the reflective side in each of us
that consciously or subconsciously considers
past experiences to guide our future paths?
Minimalist in style, this piece is incredibly
relaxing. At six minutes, the tempo changes and
I love the flurry of notes that suggests
spontaneity- living for the moment. The piece
soon returns to its gentler original form. I
adore this track, and am impressed by the
unhurried way in which the story unfolds. The
piece lasts approximately nine minutes, giving
the composer time to tell the story and the
listener the opportunity to immerse themselves
in the music.
‘Sojurn’ is
more upbeat. Reminding me a little of the style
of Wayne Gratz, the track is a melodic treat
from start to finish. This was one of the first
pieces the composer wrote when he decided to
record the album- the start of an incredible
musical journey.
The story
behind Track 3, ‘Promise Made on Signal
Mountain’ is as touching as the music itself.
The composer met his wife's Grandfather only
once before his passing- at their home at the
foot of Signal Mountain in Tennessee. Together,
the two sat by the fire where the elderly
gentleman asked only one thing of Chad; that he
take good care of his grand-daughter- something
he was only too pleased to do. Chad's wife,
Barbara, and her grandfather enjoyed an
exceptionally close relationship, and to this
day he regards it as an honour that he was
accepted into the family. Chad explains how his
wife's grandmother (known as Grams) is
beautiful, generous and very alert, and that each time
he sees her, he is reminded of the promise made
that evening. This composition is especially
beautiful and somehow manages to do justice to
that special moment. This is my favourite track
on a CD packed with highlights.
‘Change of
Season’ is a track that nearly never was! The
composer played around with the piece on a
number of occasions, feeling that it was ‘out of
place’ on the album. Eventually, he hit upon a
version that more suited the tranquil nature of
the CD, and ironically perhaps, it remains one
of many highlights after repeated listens! It's
a curious track. From the onset, it seems to
tell a story, asking lots of questions along the
way. It's engaging, relaxing and perfect
chill-out material.
‘Set on a
Hill’ is a thought-provoking piece, sometimes
moody, sometimes uplifting, hinting perhaps of
other musical genres. As the composer himself
explains, "Set on a Hill was never intended to
be the album’s title, but after hitting the last
note, I knew it encompassed exactly what I
wanted to say with this project." It is one of
those pieces where the listener should pour
themselves their favourite drink, sit back and
let the music do its work.
Track 6,
‘Reflections’ is regarded by the composer to be
the least improvised piece of the entire album,
expressing a wish for the finished product to be
"clean in its presentation". The end result is a
short, delightful and simple melody; another
most pleasing piece to the ear.
‘She Walks
in Beauty (The Wedding Song)’, as the title
would suggest, is the piece to which Chad's then
to-be wife walked down the aisle. This
composition is every bit as gorgeous and
touching as the special moment which it
represented. Chad regards it as an honour to
have written all the music for the wedding of
Barbara and himself, and reveals that the
original form of the composition included the
accompaniment of a violin. He intends to release
this version later in the year.
The
penultimate track of the CD is entitled ‘Passing
Country’ and was inspired by the breathtaking
scenery that Chad witnessed as he travelled
through Spain at night. "It was such a beautiful
drive," reminisces Chad, and the fond memories
of that evening are reflected in this gentle and
heavenly composition.
‘A Goldfish
Named George’ is a title that will not grace too
many CD track lists, but here it is closing this
outstanding album. I thought at first the
composer was dedicating the final piece to a
beloved pet, but this is not the case! In fact,
Chad was apparently watching an old Audrey
Hepburn film (the title of which he is keeping
close to his chest) and, in a slightly surreal
moment, imagined George the Goldfish falling in
love with another goldfish. Chad puts this, er,
original thought down to his British humour- "I
have a silly personality!" As a British person
myself, I agree this is entirely plausible, or
alternatively, it might have something to do
with what is on the table on the back cover!!!
Either way, it is fun way to close a remarkable
CD, with little flourishes capturing the fish's
more energetic moments.
I mentioned
earlier about the impressive variety within the
CD, whilst still maintaining an impeccably high
standard throughout and never deviating from a
relaxing and rewarding listening experience.
This is reflected in the number of composers
that spring to mind when listening to this CD.
Ludovico Einaudi, Wayne Gratz, Michael Gettel,
Stephan Moccio and Michael Jones are just some
of the stellar artists that spring to mind. Chad
Lawson is in great company.
It is hoped
to conduct a Piano-Heaven interview with Chad
over the Summer. His story reminds me of Stephan
Moccio's, who has written music for many
top-name artists, including Céline Dion, but
felt a calling to perhaps get back to his roots
and release his own album. Chad has toured the
world with Julio Iglesias, and is part of a very
successful jazz-band, but he too has felt a
calling. From the listener's perspective, this
is a very good thing, as Chad Lawson has an
undisputed gift with the piano, and has created
a stunning album from start to finish. No wonder
it has been nominated for Whisperings' ‘Album of
the Year’.
Chad's
sense of humour comes through clearly in his
Biographical notes on his web-site. Perhaps, on
reflection, I have been reading too much into
the album's cover....
I cannot
praise this CD highly enough. Any fan of
relaxing, melodic piano music should love this
album. I give ‘Set on a Hill’ my highest
recommendation. “This is some of the best music
I’ve heard in years,” proclaims Will Ackerman.
It is hard
to disagree.
S.C.
|
